Ex-BFV President Benkö

“I was more annoyed than happy”

The BFV chapter is finally over for Günter Benkö.(Bild: BFV)

Around three weeks after handing over the reins to Georg Pangl, the now ex-President of the Burgenland Football Association looks back on an eventful time in the "Krone" newspaper. 

Günter Benkö was relieved of his office in the early afternoon of March 9th. The official "handover" in the BFV building followed just one day later. Georg Pangl has been in charge ever since. Benkö packed his bags - and now, around three weeks later, looks back on his time at the Burgenland Football Association. With one crying and one laughing eye.

Benkö has a good relationship with his successor Georg Pangl.(Bild: Pangl)

"All in all, it was a great two and a half years. Although it wasn't always easy. I've been more annoyed than happy," says the 68-year-old. He wishes his successor "only the best". He emphasizes the mutual harmony. "We've known each other for a long time, Georg is a great guy, we get on well. I believe that he can also make a difference in the association." Even if "difficult tasks certainly await" Pangl. Whether the headwind will be as strong for him as it was for Benkö? He has enough experience in soccer."

There has simply been too much friction, especially on the board, which has taken its toll. I wish Georg a more amicable basis.

Günter Benkö über interne Querelen.

However, it is clear that the quarrels and personal sensitivities in the BFV must come to an end. "There was simply too much friction, especially on the board, which sapped our energy. I wish Georg a more amicable basis than was the case during my time."
For Benkö, who "doesn't want to wash any dirty linen", the BFV issue is finally over. However, he is not thinking about retirement (for the time being).

The long-serving FIFA referee will remain with the ÖFB.(Bild: GEPA pictures)

The long-time FIFA referee will remain loyal to refereeing in Austria and will be available to the ÖFB as chairman of the referee committee until at least 2025. "There's still a lot to do and adapt in this area," says the experienced referee from Burgenland. So he is not calling time on his career just yet.